Johnson Utilities In Queen Creek: ADEQ issues Water Quality Advisory for unpermitted discharge of treated water in San Tan Valley

ADEQ issues Water Quality Advisory for unpermitted discharge of treated water from Pecan Water Reclamation Plant into Queen Creek
Fri, Jan 11, 2019 at 6:52 PM

PHOENIX (January 11, 2019) – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) is issuing a Water Quality Advisory for the unpermitted discharge of recycled water into Queen Creek in the San Tan Valley area. Please avoid contact with the water in this area. ADEQ is making this recommendation because a discharge of recycled water into Queen Creek occurred from the Pecan Water Reclamation Plant. Recycled water is treated but is not required to meet surface water quality standards associated with full or partial body contact and this area of Queen Creek has been previously exposed to sewer overflows. People and animals exposed to water in this environment are at risk of infection from microorganisms associated with human waste.  Recycled water is typically used for non-potable applications, including for irrigation of golf courses and common areas within a community or in ponds at the facility to recharge the aquifer. The use of recycled water in a community is indicated by purple pipes and signage. Recommended Actions: Avoid contact with the water in this area. Do not allow people or pets to drink this water, wade through it or use it for washing. In the event of contact, thoroughly wash with soap and clean water as soon as possible. Contact a medical professional if you have any questions or show symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. This advisory will remain in effect until the discharge is stopped. ADEQ will lift the advisory by issuing an additional notice and contacting local officials. The unpermitted discharge is due to high volume that exceeded the capacity of the Pecan Water Reclamation Plant to treat and process wastewater. The plant is located at 38539 N Gantzel Rd in San Tan Valley. The high volume may be due to increased residential use from homes occupied normally only during the cooler months and decreased evaporation due to recent cool, wet weather. EPCOR was appointed by the Arizona Corporation Commission as the interim manager for Johnson Utilities in August 2018. EPCOR is working to manage flows. This discharge may prevent an accidental release of untreated wastewater elsewhere in the system. ADEQ is assessing the discharge. Contact ADEQ Public Information Officer  | 602-771-2215 (office)  | 602-540-8072 (cell) | E-mail > About ADEQ Under the Environmental Quality Act of 1986, the Arizona State Legislature established the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in 1987 as the state agency for protecting and enhancing public health and the environment of Arizona. For more information, visit azdeq.gov. ADEQ will take reasonable measures to provide access to department services to individuals with limited ability to speak, write or understand English and/or to those with disabilities. Requests for language interpretation, ASL interpretation, CART captioning services or disability accommodations must be made at least 48 hours in advance by contacting Ian Bingham, Title VI Nondiscrimination Coordinator at 602-771-4322 or Bingham.Ian@azdeq.gov. Teleprinter services are available by calling 7-1-1 at least 48 hours in advance to make necessary arrangements. ADEQ tomará las medidas razonables para proveer acceso a los servicios del departamento a personas con capacidad limitada para hablar, escribir o entender inglés y / o para personas con discapacidades. Las solicitudes de servicios de interpretación de idiomas, interpretación ASL, subtitulados de CART, o adaptaciones por discapacidad deben realizarse con al menos 48 horas de anticipación contactando a Ian Bingham, Coordinador de Anti-Discriminación del Título VI al 602-771-4322 o Bingham.Ian@azdeq.gov. Los servicios de teleimpresores están disponibles llamando al 7-1-1 con al menos 48 horas de anticipación para hacer los arreglos necesarios.